Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition in which the enlarged prostate squeezes or blocks the urethra. This can lead to annoying urinary symptoms, such as:

Difficulty starting and stopping urination

A weak stream

Dribbling or leaking

The constant feeling of needing to urinate

Feeling like the bladder is still full after urination

About 50 percent of all men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment

At UC San Diego Health, we offer comprehensive care for this common condition. Mild cases of BPH can often be treated successfully with medication under the care of your primary care physician. We also offer surgical and interventional radiology techniques, including:

Urolift is a minimally invasive implant that can help significantly reduce lower urinary tract symptoms while preserving sexual function. The eight-minute procedure is done under light sedation and has a low risk of side effects, making it a good alternative to traditional surgeries that require removal of prostate tissue, which can cause complications such as erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgery to remove the inner part of the prostate gland. The surgery takes about one hour and can be done under general or spinal anesthesia.